We've had great times with our Conway but a bad back means we sadly can't use it any longer. There's just the two of us and our small dogs. One of them has a newly diagnosed heart condition and can not walk far so the idea of leaving her in something secure and safe for an hour or two whilst we went for a walk is appealing: it means she is with us and not left with family or a kennels. She's quite happy sleeping so rest assured she's not neglected!
My wife sort of likes the idea but feels that it won't get used that much - probably correct, but equally accepts that we can use it if and when we want. To address this quandry I wondered if you could offer advice on maybe a car replacement type van. One that would be reasonably economical, not too long and able to stand up in. Opinions are wonderful and welcome but if you have personal experience then even better.
unfortunately for you, most sites will not allow you to leave a dog alone, have you considered taking a dog stroller for her so she could come along with you?
when you say you have a bad back, is this something that stops you from putting the Conway up or is it something that happens due to the beds in it being uncomfortable? using as couple of single air beds could change that.
perhaps even changing the folding camp to one that doesn't involve you lifting anything such as the Conway cardinal, where all you do is wind it up and the beds pull out on a drawer.
Hello I live near Wigan and there is a local firm named Nu venture.This firm make motorhomes built on small Citeron,van chassis,they have a good website may be worth a look, I have no connection to this firm but Heard no bad reports about them, hopefully this could be of help ARTHUR
Wouldn't a camper-van get too hot to leave a dog in? I certainly wouldn't leave our dog in our caravan for more than a couple of minutes, except for perhaps after dark or in the cooler months.
I see there's the Yorkshire Motorhome Show in Harrogate this week. Maybe a trip there would give you a chance to browse the different types of vans.
It took us months of research and looking before we decided on the model that suited us best.
Romahome are small vans similar to Nu Venture and most are low enough to get under height barriers on car parks so can be used for everyday use.
Renault Trafics and similar sized vans - Talbot, Boxer, Some VWs - are also suitable for everyday use but most wont go under height barriers unless you get a “pop top”, which is a raising roof which gives you the height when you’re on site.
You won’t find a lot of smaller vans at a show but you might get some ideas. Also check out eBay for ideas.
With your budget, try a Nissan Elgrand. You'll need it converting to a camper with a pop top. Check out models on Ebay or search for the Elgrand Owners Club.